The RNLI in Aberdeen has agreed a partnership with the multinational oil and gas firm BG Group which will see improvements made to the lifeboat station.
Under the agreement, which was announced at the charity’s annual Oceans Ball at The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa last night, BG Group have committed to donate £100,000 over the next two years.
The lifeboat service will also be supported by the firm’s employee-led fundraising effort, which has already seen the donation figure increased with support from the company’s 500 Aberdeen based employees.
Andy Samuel, BG Group’s managing director based in Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the RNLI in Aberdeen to improve their lifeboat station and help them with the fantastic support they provide to the community in Aberdeenshire.
“This support extends to the North Sea oil and gas industry to whom they provide a valuable emergency response service.”
The RNLI station is Aberdeen was established in 1802, making it one of the oldest in Scotland.
It operates two lifeboats – RNLB Bon Accord, an all-weather Severn class lifeboat and D Class inshore lifeboat RNLB James Bissett Simpson.
Aberdeen coxwain Rod McGillvray said: “We are delighted that BG Group is supporting the RNLI and, in particular, that they will be raising vital funds for our lifeboat station.
“Money provided by BG Group will fund a new davit and railings at the lifeboat station. This new equipment will enable us to quickly and safely launch our inshore lifeboat, helping us save lives at sea.
“I hope everyone who attended the Oceans Ball at the Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen had a great time while raising vital funds for our charity.”
The davit currently used by the crew to lower the inshore lifeboat into the water was moved to the lifeboat station on Waterloo Quay when it opened in 1998, but pre-dates the station by several years.